Perhaps one of the most underrated procedures that we offer here at Vado Plastic Surgery is fat transfer; with this cosmetic procedure we can both reduce fat in unwanted areas and plump up areas that are flat. Many of our patients have found a fat transfer to be a simple solution to areas that are resistant to a weight loss strategy that reduces the volume of other areas. But how long can they expect their results to last?
This procedure is pretty much what it sounds like; your surgeon will first harvest fat from your “problem areas” through a small incision and syringes. Once enough fat is removed, the fat is then purified in a centrifuge, removing any impurities that could cause an issue at the new location. After purification, the fat is loaded into syringes and is injected into the new areas slowly to one of two areas: your face or your butt. Whichever you choose, this part of your body will essentially be sculpted by adding volume with your own fat!
This is by one of the most common questions we get on the subject. While the longevity of your fat transfer will ultimately depend on a few key factors (such as following your doctor’s post-op instructions), most patients see life-long results!
These final results are usually established around the 6 month mark, giving your transfer plenty of time to either establish a blood supply in the transfer site (keeping it in place), or to naturally degrade from the site. Since this transfer will become like any fatty deposit in your body, and therefore subject to normal weight loss and gain, you can get the most out of your fat transfer by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, keeping everything in place.
If you’re spending the time and money on a cosmetic procedure, you’ll probably want to maximize the results that you see in the months after your procedure. Since a fat transfer involves injecting purified, sterile fat from one location of your body to another, there’s very little risk of your body rejecting the injection. Still, there are a few things you can do to take care of your fat transfer, getting you the most out of your results!
During the procedure, the fat is injected underneath your skin in a specific pattern; your injection specialist will sculpt your ideal look, as you discussed beforehand. By applying pressure to the newly plumped location, you risk flattening the transfer and may end up with a lumpy result. If your fat transfer was performed on your face, try to minimize talking and expressions for the first few days. If in your buttocks, avoid sitting and exercising.
Since the tissue transfer involves fat cells, we don’t want your body to try to reduce or recycle them! Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet while everything is settling into its new home. To get the best personal before and after, follow all of your surgeon’s instructions closely.
Recovery from a fat transfer procedure is much like other surgical procedures. The location that the fat was harvested from will need to be tended to just like any surgical site. You can minimize scarring by using silicone scar gels and other treatments once your wound has closed. It will take a few days for the injection pain to subside, so be careful not to overwork yourself.
If you’re looking for a simple way to both decrease the appearance of problem areas and increase the volume of the flatter parts of your body, fat transfer is a great solution. To schedule a consultation with our expert team of plastic specialists, get in touch today. Vado Plastic Surgery in Orlando can help you finally achieve the results you’ve been dreaming of!
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing each and every one of our patients with quality care and results. If you're considering plastic surgery in Orlando, call us at (407)-377-5438 or fill out our online form to schedule your in-person or virtual consultation at Vado Plastic Surgery!